Licensing should mean trust—but in Nigeria’s security industry, it too often means little more than paperwork. Companies get licensed with minimal scrutiny, and guards are rarely held to consistent standards. The result? Unqualified providers, untrained guards, and a public that loses faith in the system.

We need a better approach. Every security company should face regular, independent audits. All guards should be licensed only after background checks, training, and exams. Licenses must be renewed periodically, with real consequences for violations.

Industry associations can help, but government must lead: set clear standards, enforce them, and publicize penalties for offenders. Only then can we restore confidence in private security.

If you are a client, demand proof of licensing and recent audits. If you are in the industry, push for reform. If you are a policymaker, make licensing mean something.

Is your provider genuinely licensed and audited? Should guard licensing be mandatory? Let us discuss.